Today it gives me great pleasure to stand here before you at this official launch of the Virgin Islands Trade Commission, which will be a statutory agency established under the Virgin Islands Trade Commission Act, 2020.

A Pleasant Good Day and God’s Blessings to all the people of these beautiful Virgin Islands and beyond.

As Governor of the British Virgin Islands, I share the concern of all in the community regarding the recent murders that have taken place.

Following the decision of the former Governor, His Excellency Augustus J U Jaspert, to institute a Commission of Inquiry (the "Inquiry"), the Government of the Virgin Islands established the Inquiry Response Unit ('IRU') on 5 February, 2021 to ensure full cooperation with the Inquiry and facilitation of the Inquiry process, while upholding the legal duties and legitimate interests of the Government.

His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG chaired the Meeting held on 3rd February, 2021, 

His Excellency, the Acting Governor Mr. David Archer, Jr. chaired the Meeting held on 7th January, 2021, in the absence of Governor August Jaspert, who was overseas on official leave.

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands acknowledges the interruption of the publicising of Cabinet decisions in 2020. However, the Cabinet remains committed to good governance principles of transparency and accountability.